March 2025: Turn Up the Volume on Music, Wellness & Community!
".. music had the potential to effect change far beyond its lyrical boundaries."
Today's Newsletter Features:
YEAH! NEWS - Wellness and Stream-A-Thon Participants
YEAH! PROGRAMS - in March and June
YEAH! YOUTH VOICES - Top 3 Songs Resonating with Youth Today
YEAH! EDUCATION - Tips to develop music and expressive skills
YEAH! WELLNESS - Learn, Engage, Develop
YEAH! SPOTLIGHT - JZI, Music Valley Archive, Random Sample
YEAH! SUPPORT - Educational Access and YEAH!
YEAH! CALENDAR - Upcoming Events
* Traducción al español AQUÍ
Dear YEAH! Community,
Can you imagine life with only air, water, or sunlight? What about the music world made up of only vocals, one instrument, or one beat? As Julie Rust shares in her August 2024 Message from The Light, "These elements are a significant example of the role of diversity in action…The combination of these working together is what supports life… is the bee more important or the flower..?”
Music has always been a conversation—a pulse, a connection, a spark that brings us together. It’s collaboration in its purest form, where every beat, every note, and every voice matters. Just like music, we are diverse; we grew and grow from something else.
Think about it: The tap of a drum. The strum of a chord. Each sound is unique, but when layered together, they create something even more powerful. That’s what we do at YEAH!—we create spaces where young people don’t just play music;
⭐They live it.
⭐They explore.
⭐They take risks.
⭐They find, develop, and share their voice(s).
Our programs are about learning how to play an instrument, write songs, and experience different elements and genres that have contributed to making a positive impact in our world. They also lead our participants to:
🎵 Build confidence to take up space
🎤 Turn creativity into action
🎨 Express, connect, and amplify voices
💡 Learn to navigate challenges—on and off the stage
They and their music are that spark that grows, rippling beyond one person into the community and beyond.
This is why we do what we do. This is how we build something bigger than ourselves. And we’re so glad you’re here for it.
Let’s turn it up.
— The YEAH! Team
YEAH! NEWS
🎶 YEAH! Wellness: Music, Well-Being & Community Care
We’re excited to introduce YEAH! Wellness — a new section in our newsletter aimed at bringing more awareness to the importance of well-being and community care. We know that music has the power to uplift, heal, and connect — and we believe fostering wellness is a crucial part of empowering youth and building stronger communities. Read some resources, stories, and insights on how music can support self-care and collective well-being below! 🌟
🎸 AMP UP YEAH! Streamathon – April 6th!
Join us for the AMP UP YEAH! Streamathon on April 6th, streaming online at yeahrocks.org! This event, part of our spring pledge drive, showcases incredible live performances, exclusive content, and YEAH! archival footage. Featuring video contributions and appearances by Crystal Shrine (aka Kelley Anderson, co-founder of YEAH!), Rainbow Mosho, Eve Maret, Excellence, thevoidinclusive, and Tyler Blankenship, plus footage from past showcases, including a live-at-camp performance by Julien Baker, new YEAH! youth performances live from Random Sample (sneak peek photos above!), and special segments like “The Joy of Guitar Repair” and “One-Minute Guitar Lessons” with the staff of local music shop Jack’s Guitarcheology.
📅 April 6th | 📍 Streaming at yeahrocks.org
🎶Earlier this month, we launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for The Claire & Vic’s Chrysalis Cohort Scholarship, our scholarship fund that provides trans and nonbinary youth the opportunity to attend YEAH! Rocks Music Camp.
This scholarship provides more than financial aid – it offers trans youth a safe, inclusive space to thrive, rock out, be fully themselves, and build community at YEAH! So far, 15 donors have helped us reach 40% of our $1,350 goal to fund scholarships for three trans/nonbinary youth. We’d love your help in reaching this goal! You can support us in two key ways:
🎸 Donate – Every contribution, big or small, directly funds a youth’s camp experience.
📢 Share – Helping us spread the word on social media makes a huge impact!
Here’s the link to donate & share. You and your network can help us raise the additional $800 needed to hit this goal!
YEAH! PROGRAMS
🎶 FINAL ARTS & ACTIVISM WORKSHOPS OF THE SEASON!
Don’t miss our last two Arts & Activism Workshops of the season — where visual art, music, and advocacy collide! Participants will learn hands-on printmaking techniques while exploring how art and music drive social change.
📅 March 15th | 1:00 - 3:30 pm (ages 13-17)
Theme: Inclusive Space & Relationships
* Art Focus: Learn printmaking with Tina Simic from Jessi Zazu, Inc., and create visual pieces reflecting personal experiences around inclusion and community.
Music Insight: We'll highlight songs that champion inclusivity and relationship-building — inspiring both creativity and conversation.
Guest Speakers: Linda, Ivy, and Andie from Random Sample, a DIY art space and art gallery, will share their experiences in creating inclusive spaces and building community despite challenges.
📅 March 22 | 1:00 - 3:30 PM (All ages)
Theme: Collaboration & Collective Action
Art Focus: Guided by AB Bedran (artist/advocate), participants will create individual prints representing their identity, then combine them into a powerful group art piece symbolizing unity.
Music Insight: We'll explore music that centers on community and collective action, showing how collaboration fuels change.
Guest Speaker: AB Bedran, a Queer mixed Palestinian artist, will share their creative journey and the role art plays in fostering connection.
💰Workshop Fee: $20 per session
📍Location: Random Sample, 407 48th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37209
🎟 Spots are limited! Register now: bit.ly/yeahprograms
📩 Questions? Contact programs@yeahrocks.org
🎶 APPLY TO BE A JUNIOR COUNSELOR AT SUMMER CAMP
Are you a former camper 16 or older looking to level up your camp experience? The YEAH! Rocks Music Camp Junior Counselor Program is your chance to step into a leadership role while staying immersed in the camp magic!
As a Junior Counselor, you'll:
🎸 Support younger campers during instrument instruction
🎤 Assist instructors and staff with daily camp operations
🎶 Still participate in afternoon workshops, panels, and band practice
⭐ Gain leadership skills, community service hours, and experience for future creative careers
Perks include:
💰 Discounted tuition: $200
📜 Exclusive leadership certificate & program recognition
📢 Interested? Email programs@yeahrocks.org
🎶 YEAH! ROCKS SUMMER CAMP 2025 –
UNLEASH YOUR INNER ROCKSTAR!
Get ready for a week of music, creativity, and empowerment at YEAH! Rocks Summer Camp! Whether you're picking up an instrument for the first time or you’re already rocking out, this camp is all about exploring and developing musical and life skills, forming bands, and creating original music while creating lifelong friendships—all in a supportive, inclusive, and equitable space.
At Camp, You'll:
🎤 Learn an instrument (no experience needed!)
🎸 Form a band and write an original song
📢 Participate in interactive workshops and panels on music, activism, and self-expression
⭐ Attend guest performances by local artists of a variety of genres
🔥 Perform live at the end-of-week showcase!
👐 Who Can Join? Youth ages 6-17 - all skill levels welcome!
📅 Camp Dates: June 9-13 at Nashville Prep
🎶 Showcase: June 14 at The Blue Room
🔗 Register here now. Early birds save $50 before April 15th.
📩 Questions? Reach out to programs@yeahrocks.org
YEAH! YOUTH VOICES
To better connect with young people, it's important to understand the music they're drawn to — the songs that reflect their feelings, experiences, and culture. According to recent Billboard charts and trends on TikTok, take a look below at the top 3 songs currently resonating with youth.
One thing stands out: the overwhelming dominance of male artists. This lack of diverse representation limits the range of stories being told — and the opportunity for young listeners to see their own identities reflected in popular music.
As you listen, ask yourself: Whose voices are we hearing? Whose stories are missing? How can we help amplify a broader range of voices in music?
“Die with a Smile" - Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars (Aug. 2024)
Theme: deep love and finding joy in life's final moments.
Key Lyric: "If the world ends tonight, I'd die with a smile, holding you."
Why It Matters: Explores unconditional love and commitment striking a universal chord.
"Luther" – Kendrick Lamar feat. SZA (Dec. 2024)
Theme: Honoring civil rights and advocating for justice.
Key Lyric: "Marching with the spirit of Luther, breaking chains like my father."
Why It Matters: Connects youth with historical struggles for equality, inspiring continued advocacy.
"Baile Inolvidable" – Bad Bunny (Jan. 2025)
Theme: Celebration of unforgettable moments.
Key Lyric: "Un baile inolvidable, como en la vieja escuela."
Why It Matters: Emphasizes cultural pride and the joy of memorable experiences.
YEAH! EDUCATION
🎸 Choosing an Instrument
Not sure which instrument to play? Start by exploring what excites you most — the rhythm of drums, the energy of electric guitar, or the melody of a keyboard? If you're stuck between two options, here’s how to decide:
Watch videos of musicians performing on each instrument and imagine yourself in their place.
Borrow or rent the instrument for a week to test it out. We can help!
Think about sound and feel: Do you love the deep, full sound of a bass or the sharp punch of a snare drum? Follow what moves you!
⏱ Setting Up a Practice Routine
Don’t have regular access to your instrument? Here are ways to stay consistent:
Air practice: Strum air guitar, tap drum patterns on your lap, or finger your scales without sound. Muscle memory builds this way!
Create practice slots: Set aside 15 minutes daily — even without an instrument — to listen to music, write lyrics, or practice rhythm.
Journal your progress: Track what you’re learning. Small progress adds up quickly!
YEAH! WELLNESS
Last week, our team attended the Learn Engage Develop Conference by the Nashville After Zone Alliance, gaining tools to better support youth in creative spaces. A key takeaway? Giving kids space to “take a beat” (reflect, explore, try) and “be in-tune” (connect with themselves and others) fosters creativity, resilience, and growth.
Here are some powerful examples of how music and activism intersect:
🎧 Maestra Music: Arts & Activism
🎵 Music Will: Why Music Education Matters
💪 Politics Rights: Pop Music’s Role in Social Change
👅 Rolling Stone: How Music Artists Lead Social Movements
⏰ Facing History: How Music Can Inspire Social Change
YEAH! SPOTLIGHT
Community Spotlight: YEAH! Collaborators
YEAH! thrives because of the incredible organizations that share our mission of empowering youth through music, arts, and community. This month, we’re shining a light on three crucial collaborators:
🎨 Jessi Zazu, Inc. – Inspired by the legacy of YEAH! alumni, artist, and musician Jessi Zazu. This nonprofit champions youth empowerment through the arts. They’ve been instrumental in supporting YEAH!’s creative programming, ensuring young artists have the tools to express themselves. Find out more about JZI here.
🎶 Random Sample – This dynamic and creative space provides a platform for emerging artists and musicians. Their support has helped bring fresh, original performances to our AMP UP YEAH! streamathon, giving youth a chance to showcase their talents in a professional setting. Find out more about Random Sample and their upcoming events here.
📜 Music Valley Archive – Dedicated to preserving Nashville’s diverse musical history, Music Valley Archive connects today’s young musicians with the past. We are proud to be collaborating with MVA on a brand new t-shirt design that reflects our motto, "Music changes everything". Look for the new t-shirts coming out soon as part of our AMP UP YEAH! Spring Pledge Drive!
We’re so grateful for these partnerships, which help us expand opportunities for young creatives. Stay tuned for more collaborations and ways to get involved!
YEAH! SUPPORT
🎓 Advocate for Equal Education Access
Education should be for everyone. Right now, Tennessee lawmakers are considering HB-0793 and SB-0836, which would allow public and charter schools to refuse enrollment to undocumented students. This jeopardizes educational access for many kids in our community.
👉 Take action in under 1 minute: Call or Email Your Lawmaker here
🥰 Support YEAH!
💗 Join our Board of Directors — Help shape the future of inclusive music education.
💓 Volunteer – Teach, mentor, and assist in our administration management, tech, and instrument maintenance, programs, and events.
💞 Shop at Kroger? Select YEAH! as your charity of choice.
❣️ Read Our Impact Report — See the real impact of your support.
💝 Share Your Story — Has YEAH! impacted you or someone you know? Email us at director@yeahrocks.org.
💘 Donate to The Claire & Vic’s Chrysalis Cohort Scholarship Fund, which provides trans and nonbinary youth with the opportunity to attend YEAH! Rocks Music Camp.
💖Become a Sustaining Donor — During our Stream-a-thon Pledge Drive April 1-7 or Donate to our Scholarship Fund
YEAH! CALENDAR
March 15 & March 22: Art & Activism music & printmaking community workshops - Register here
April 1-7: AMP UP YEAH! Pledge Drive - help us reach our goal of 100 $10 monthly donors here
April 6: YEAH! Streamathon fundraising event - online at yeahrocks.org
June 9 - 13: YEAH! Rocks Music Camp at Nashville Prep Register here
June 14: YEAH! Rocks Music Camp Showcase at The Blue Room, 12 pm - Tickets here
June 28: Nashville Pride Parade
August 8-9: Tomato Art Festival
September 5-14: Nashville Fair
September 11-17: National Arts in Education Week
September (days TBA): African Street Festival
September 27: Kidsville Family Festival
Send us information about relevant events you’d like for us to share next month at director@yeahrocks.org